The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into an incident involving the deployment of a less-lethal firearm by a Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) officer.
On July 12, 2023, WPS notified the IIU of an incident that occurred the previous day. According to the notification, at approximately 11:57pm on July 11, members of the Tactical Support Team and general patrol officers attended the Shell gas station in the 700 block of Portage Avenue following a 911 call about a male behaving erratically brandishing what initially appeared to be a knife and was later found to be a piece of glass. A bean bag round was deployed from a less-lethal firearm, striking the male in the upper left leg. However, the male continued to self-harm and a second bean bag round was deployed, striking the male in the right forearm. The male was taken into police custody. Paramedics assessed the male for minor injuries at the scene. He was medically cleared and transported to WPS headquarters for processing.
As this matter concerned a serious injury as defined under Sec. 1(1)(f) of the IIU regulations, the IIU assumed responsibility for this investigation in accordance with Sec. 66(4) of the Police Services Act. One subject officer and three witness officers were designated. Investigators also obtained a statement from a civilian witness.
Following due consideration of all the circumstances and evidence, the civilian director concluded the subject officer’s actions were reasonable. Therefore, no charges are recommended against the subject officer. The IIU investigation is completed and the matter is now closed.
The details of the investigation were first announced on July 13, 2023.
